Triton Seafood brings southern cooking to Downingtown

John Marsh has brought Southern comfort food to Downingtown. He recently opened Triton Seafood restaurant in the Caln Village Shopping Center, on Business Route 30 just west of Downingtown.

Triton’s specialty is Calabash-style seafood, with such dishes as fried shrimp, catfish, flounder, tilapia and frog legs. The fish is complemented by Southern side dishes such collard greens, macaroni and cheese, red beans and rice, and hush puppies. The restaurant also serves fried okra, french fries and onion rings.

The food is reminiscent of those Southern seafood spots you might hit after that perfect day at the beach. The walls of Triton’s three dining areas are decorated in a nautical theme with corrugated tin accenting certain walls. Jazz music plays softly. The space is casual, with plastic plates with spoons, and the food is breaded and fried only after you place the order.

“We also do takeout, but we would rather cook the food right as you arrive,” Marshsaid, adding that he is intent on making sure customers get their seafood dish right out of the fryer.

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For those who love fish, but not fried, Triton will happily serve fish broiled. The eatery also serves chicken fingers and mac and cheese for those non-fish eaters. There’s a kids’ menu for ages 10 and under.

Though soft spoken, Marsh’s enthusiasm for the restaurant is apparent as he greets customers and asks for their feedback. Prior to starting up Triton, he already enjoyed quite a career. An alumnus of Coatesville Area High School, John graduated from Bucknell University with an electrical engineering degree before obtaining a law degree. He has worked with Kellogg’s in Battle Creek, Mich., and the U.S. Patent office in Washington, D.C., among other jobs. Why did he want to open a seafood restaurant?

“I’ve always loved to cook. My first job was at the Burger King right across the way,” he said, pointing out toward Business Route 30 with a laugh. “In college, I managed the kitchen at our frat.”

Marsh’s family roots led to the idea for a Calabash-style seafood spot.

“My dad was from North Carolina, a little town called Marshville,” he said. The town of Calabash sits along the coast at the southern edge of North Carolina, just north of Myrtle Beach. Marshville is about two hours inland.

Triton Seafood had a soft opening earlier this summer as a sort of learning experience. Marsh is excited about adding new items to the menu as the restaurant grows. He plans to start making sweet tea soon. This fall, he’ll be offering soups, chowder and stews.

Triton Seafood is in the Caln Village Shopping Center, 3911 W. Lincoln Highway, Downingtown, and can be reached at 610-873-3474 or through Facebook atfacebook.com/TritonSeafoodRestaurant.